Medications for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.

Medications may help to either prevent or reduce side effects of treatment or to manage certain side effects after they occur. You can develop side effects from the treatment and/or from the cancer itself. Tell your doctor when you notice a new symptom, and ask if any of these medications are appropriate for you.

Prescription Medications

Over-the-Counter Medications

Prescription Medications

Anti-nauseants

Common names include:

Prochlorperazine

Odansetron

Granisetron

Metoclopramide

Anti-nauseants, also called anti-emetics, are given to help treat nausea and vomiting that may be caused by
chemotherapy,
radiation, or surgery to treat cancer. Prochlorperazine can be taken by mouth, injection, or a suppository. Ondansetron and granisetron can be taken orally or as injections. Metoclopramide is usually given by injection.

Increased risk of serious neurological condition known as
tardive dyskinesia
in patients who take metoclopramide for longer than three months

Corticosteroids

Common names include:

Dexamethasone

Prednisone

Corticosteroids help to minimize inflammation and to relieve pain due to inflammation. You may experience pain and inflammation for a variety of reasons, such as:

Bone pain from cancer that has spread to your bones

Swelling caused by tumors or treatment

Common side effects include:

Increased appetite

Indigestion

Nervousness or restlessness

Painkillers—Narcotics

Common names include:

Hydrocodone

Morphine

Oxycodone

Fentanyl

Oxymorphone

Methadone

Hydrocodone and acetaminophen

Oxycodone and acetaminophen

Narcotics act on the central nervous system to relieve pain. These drugs can be very effective; however, they must be used with great caution because they can be mentally and/or physically addicting. If you are going to take one of these drugs for a long period of time, your doctor will closely monitor you.

Vicodin and Percocet is a combination medication. A narcotic analgesic and acetaminophen used together may provide better pain relief than either medicine used alone. In some cases, lower doses of each medicine are necessary to achieve pain relief.

Epoetin helps your bone marrow to make new red blood cells. Low red blood cell levels can lead to anemia. Therefore, epoetin helps reduce your risk of anemia. Epoetin is effective, but it has a two-week delay between the injection and when your red blood cell count starts to come back. It is not used as a quick fix for a low red blood cell count. A blood transfusion is usually performed if you need to recover your red blood cell count more quickly.

Both filgrastim and epoetin are given by injection in your doctor's office.

Common side effects include:

For filgrastim:

Headache

Pain in arms or legs

Pain in joints or muscles

Pain in lower back or pelvis

Skin rash or itching

For epoetin:

Cough, sneezing, or sore throat

Fever

Swelling of face, fingers, ankles, feet, or lower legs

Weight gain

Over-the-Counter Medications

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Common names include:

Ibuprofen

Naproxen

NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation. You may experience pain and inflammation for a variety of reasons, such as:

Bone pain from cancer that has spread to your bones

Swelling caused by tumors or treatment

Common side effects include:

Stomach cramps, pain, or discomfort

Lightheadedness

Headache

Heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting

Special Considerations

If you are taking medications, follow these general guidelines:

Take your medication as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.

Do not stop taking them without talking to your doctor.

Do not share them.

Ask what the results and side effects could be. Report them to your doctor.

Some drugs can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one drug. This includes over-the-counter medication and herb or dietary supplements.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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